Switch Operating Mechanism With Static Meshing for Reliable Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch apparatuses suffer from instability and unreliability due to the movement of transmission mechanisms during switch-on and switch-off operations, leading to potential mis-operations.

Innovation Solution

An operating mechanism with a meshing mechanism composed of pivotally installed first and second meshing parts, a sliding groove, and a transmission mechanism involving a first and second connecting rod, lever, and lever-directed elastic parts, which maintains the meshing mechanism in a static state during normal operations, enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a transmission mechanism is used to move during switch-on and switch-off operation, then the switching function is achieved, but the stability and reliability of operation deteriorates due to movement affecting the meshing mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a static meshing mechanism (first meshing part and second meshing part) and a movable transmission mechanism (connecting rods and lever). The sliding groove separates the functions of motion transmission and meshing engagement, allowing the meshing parts to remain stationary while the transmission mechanism moves within the groove's constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding groove acts as an intermediary constraint that guides the movement of the connecting rod articulation point. It mediates between the movable transmission mechanism and the static meshing mechanism, allowing controlled movement while preventing harmful displacements that would affect meshing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the meshing mechanism is made movable to enable switching operation, then the switch-on and switch-off function is achieved, but mechanical stress increases and trip force requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching operationVSAvoidmechanical stress and trip force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the meshing mechanism movable to achieve switching, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the meshing mechanism static and making the transmission mechanism movable. The connecting rods and lever move within the constraints of the sliding groove to achieve the switching function, while the meshing parts remain stationary to minimize mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the articulated end of connecting rods is allowed free movement, then the transmission mechanism has flexibility, but the meshing mechanism experiences displacement and operational instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission flexibilityVSAvoidmeshing mechanism stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding groove provides localized constraint at the articulation point of the connecting rods. This local constraint allows the transmission mechanism to move flexibly along the groove's path while preventing displacement in directions that would affect the meshing mechanism's stability and positional composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4318535B1Operating mechanism and switching device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 CHINT LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL TECH CO LTD
  • EP4318535B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4318535B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4318535B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An operating mechanism and a switch apparatus are provided, the switch apparatus includes the operating mechanism, which includes an operating part, a first connecting rod, a first meshing part, a second meshing part, a second connecting rod and a lever, wherein the first meshing part and the second meshing part are respectively pivotally installed and mesh with each other, and a sliding groove is disposed on the first meshing part; the operating part and the lever are respectively pivotally installed, one end of the first connecting rod articulates with one end of the second connecting rod, the other end of the first connecting rod is connected with the operating part, the other end of the second connecting rod is connected with the lever, and the articulated end of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod slidingly cooperates with the sliding groove of the first meshing part. The present invention provides an operating mechanism and a switch apparatus with high operational reliability, the meshing mechanism composed of the first meshing part and the second meshing part and the transmission mechanism are independent of each other, so that the meshing mechanism is basically in a static state during normal switch-on and switch-off operation of the operating mechanism, thereby greatly enhancing the operational reliability of the entire mechanism.